“Sam was one of the most incredibly supportive people I have ever met.”
Those words from Oregon State women’s track and field/cross country head coach Kelly Sullivan on the passing of legendary coach Sam Bell. Bell passed away peacefully Monday morning in Bloomington, Ind., at the age of 88.
Bell, a native of Columbus, Mo., was one of the pillars of the sport. His name appears in the Halls of Fame of United States Track and Field, the United States Cross Country Coaches Association, Oregon State University and Indiana University.
“From day one being hired in this position to bring track and field back at OSU, Sam was on board and both he and his wife Fran reached out to former athletes and others to encourage them to become involved,” added Sullivan.